MoneyPak Scam Resurfaces in Annapolis: Nearby News

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A popular scam – BG&E customers receiving a call demanding payment for bogus utility bills by Green Dot MoneyPak cards – has resurfaced.

Annapolis Police warn that some local businesses have received phone calls from callers asking for payment for utility bills by Green Dot MoneyPak cards. BG&E will never call and ask for payment by Green Dot MoneyPak or other cards like this.

The utility says callers claim to represent BGE and tell customers their service will be shut off unless they pay by purchasing a “Green Dot” card. The customers are then told to call another phone number and hand over its 16-digit security code.

To avoid this scam, BG&E customers should ask for the name on the account, the address and the exact past-due balance. If the caller cannot provide that information, customers should not provide any payment or information.

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Utility customers can safely make payments by calling 800.685.0123, online at bge.com, by mail and at authorized America’s Cash Express and Global Express locations. For any questions about accepted BGE payment methods, payment options, or to verify the identification of any persons requesting customer information or entry into a home or business, call 800.685.0123.

MoneyPaks are sold at local stores and major retailers, and provide a convenient way to pay bills online and make purchases on the Internet without risk to their bank accounts.

MoneyPak offers these tips to help protect users from fraud:

• Never give your MoneyPak number to someone you don’t know.
• Do not give receipt information about your MoneyPak purchase to another party.
• Use your MoneyPak only to reload your prepaid cards or accounts you control. Refuse any offer that asks you to buy a MoneyPak and share the number or receipt information by email or phone.
• Don’t email your MoneyPak number directly to any merchant.
• To use your MoneyPak with PayPal or eBay or other online merchants, transfer the money to your PayPal account before you pay the merchant.
• Don’t use the MoneyPak to pay taxes or fees to claim “winnings” on a foreign lottery or prize promotion. Unless it’s an approved MoneyPak partner, don’t use MoneyPak for any offer that requires you to pay before you get the item.
• Check a list of approved MoneyPak partners before you use your MoneyPak to pay.

If you are aware of a possible scam, alert Green Dot.